Author Profile
Kari Lydersen
Kari Lydersen is a Chicago-based reporter, author and journalism instructor, leading the Social Justice & Investigative specialization in the graduate program at Northwestern University. She is the author of Mayor 1%: Rahm Emanuel and the Rise of Chicago’s 99%.
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Why Are Chicago Teachers Striking Against Mayor Lori Lightfoot? They’ve Been “Lied To” Before.
As a pink sunrise painted the sky on Thursday morning, horns blared seemingly nonstop from semi trucks, commuters’ cars, a concrete mixer and countless other vehicles. They were all supporting members of... MORE
Working · October 17, 2019
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Chicago Teachers Are Threatening To Strike Against New Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Here’s Why.
In 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) took to the streets with thousands of supporters in a seven-day strike that was ultimately seen as a victory against “Mayor 1%” Rahm Emanuel. A lot... MORE
Working · August 7, 2019
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A Historic Election in Chicago Cracks the Machine
The old guard is on the way out, and a progressive future for the city is coming into focus. MORE
Views · March 1, 2019
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Mayor 1% Rahm Emanuel Will Not Be Missed in Chicago
Emanuel will be remembered for his arrogance, impatience and disregard for regular Chicagoans. MORE
Features · September 6, 2018
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In a Landslide Vote, the LA Times Just Unionized, Upending a Long Anti-Labor History
Update: On Friday, January 19, the News Guild announced that Los Angeles Times journalists had voted overwhelmingly in favor of a union, 248-44. The victory will lead to the paper's first staff union,... MORE
Working · January 18, 2018
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Opponents of School Privatization Are Very Worried About a New Law in Illinois. Here’s Why.
Chicago public schools began classes this month after securing much-needed money from the state. But the funding bill came with a provision that critics say could imperil public education in the state and... MORE
Working · September 25, 2017
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At the Bullfrog, Those Left Behind by the Global Economy Find Relief—and a Place to Talk Trump
In a Jamestown, N.Y., hotel and bar, down-and-out former factory workers seek solidarity and camaraderie—often expressed in shared rants about immigrants or liberals. MORE
Culture · July 25, 2017
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The Heroin Crisis We’ve Ignored
A compassion deficit afflicts Black and Latino users. MORE
Features · April 24, 2017
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Chicago Window Workers Who Occupied Their Factory in 2008 Win New Bankruptcy Payout
Seven years after Republic Windows & Doors workers occupied a recently-shuttered factory in Chicago, making international news, and three years after they opened their own window company, they are receiving a $295,000... MORE
Working · January 25, 2016
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Chicago Car Wash Workers: Owner Took Their Tips, Said They Were His
Harsh, messy winter days are when car wash workers’ jobs are the hardest, and the busiest. Vehicles stream in crusted with salt and grime. The workers are outside, on their feet in... MORE
Working · January 21, 2016